Specialised supports
A Guide to Diabetes Management Supports
Diabetes affects people differently. Some people may be able to manage their diabetes with medication and services provided through the health system. For others, such as people with disability, managing diabetes can be more challenging and have a big impact on their lives.
Here, we explore what Diabetes Management Supports involves, how it’s funded by the NDIS and who can provide Diabetes Management Supports.
Does the NDIS fund supports for diabetes?
The NDIS funds diabetes management supports if they’re related to someone’s disability, for example, if someone’s disability means they can’t monitor or manage their diabetes on their own.
Funding for diabetes management can be included under several NDIS budgets and categories, such as Improved Health and Wellbeing or Daily Activities, depending on circumstances. NDIS funding for disability management may also come under the “Disability Related Health Supports” category of your funding.
Learn more about Disability-Related Health Supports on the NDIS website.
What are NDIS Diabetes Management Supports?
Diabetes Management Supports are the tools, services and resources that help someone manage their diabetes effectively.
Some diabetes supports can only be overseen by a general practitioner or registered nurse, who will typically outline what supports you need in a diabetes management plan.
It is then up to your carers or support workers to implement the supports outlined in your management plan.
Generally, support workers can:
- help the person to test their blood glucose levels (BGLs) and provide support to keep their BGLs within a target range
- ensure the person takes their regular medication each day
- support the person to follow the strategies outlined in their diabetes management plan. This could include meal plans or exercise plans
- support the person to maintain any technology aids such as glucose monitors
- provide support to attend appointments related to their diabetes management
- assist in the regular monitoring of your diabetes.
Almost 20 per cent of Australians live with disability, but only 1 in 6 participate in sport
According to Paralympics Australia, adults with a disability are 9 times more likely to report both cardiovascular diseases and diabetes than those adults who are not living with disability.
“Sport is a great way to improve your fitness and strength and gross motor skills,” George says.
What is a diabetes management plan?
A diabetes management plan outlines how someone should be safely supported for their diabetes. This plan is tailored to the person’s needs, preferences and their environment. It includes information about:
- Type of diabetes
- Diabetes management: dosage and timing of medications, lifestyle recommendations
- Blood glucose levels (BGLs): testing requirements, target range, actions if BGLs are outside acceptable range
- Troubleshooting and emergency care: information on how to manage troubleshooting and when to call an ambulance or health professional
- Recording: Where and how any blood glucose level (BGL) testing should be recorded (for example, in an App like Maslow, using a hard copy notebook, etc.)
Who writes a diabetes management plan?
Typically an endocrinologist, diabetes nurse or general practitioner will develop the plan, sometimes called a diabetes care plan.
Writing a diabetes management plan is a team effort, bringing together the person with disability, their family, support workers and other services (such as recreation, education or employment).
This plan will be reviewed regularly (usually every year) to ensure it remains up to date.
How Hireup can help you with Diabetes Management Supports
Hireup is Australia's largest NDIS-registered online provider
Hireup has an experienced team of Specialised Support Relationship Managers and workers who can support you with your diabetes management needs. We work closely with you, your family, support network, and health professionals to make sure you get support that meets your needs and suits your interests.
We also provide specific training to our support workers and ensure the successful implementation of your diabetes management plan and monitoring.
